Exelon's Fishing for a Cure Kid's Derby Boosts Fundraiser Total to Record $65,000

Fifty youngsters, ranging from age 2 to 12, sought bragging rights for the most fish caught and the biggest.

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6/8/2014 8:00 PM

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BRACEVILLE, Ill. (June 9, 2014) - Exelon's Fishing for a Cure tournament raised a record $65,000 for the Coal City and Diamond Tornado Disaster Relief Fund. The total represents donations from the April team bass fishing tournament, and the kid's fishing derby held Saturday, June 7 at Godley Park.

"This has been a great day," said Illinois State Sen. Sue Rezin, following the kid's fishing derby. "Fishing for a Cure is a great event that brings families together while promoting a cause that benefits the entire community."

The money raised will help the more than 240 homeowners and business owners affected by the devastating tornado that swept through the Coal City and Diamond communities last November.

Fifty youngsters, ranging from age 2 to 12, sought bragging rights for the most fish caught and the biggest. Jacqueline Dodge of Wilmington caught the biggest fish, a 22 inch whopper of a catfish. She also snagged the trophy for most fish caught in her age group with five. She competed in the 5 and under age category. Rounding out her age group, Mason Gardner of Custer Park reeled in four fish, with Matt Ericks of Morris catching three.

In the 6-8 age division, Tina Ericks of Morris took top honors, snaring six fish. Second place went to Katie Oleniczak of Plainfield and Lance Cuddy of Coal City took third.

Auston Kap of Lockport netted first place in the 9-12 age division, catching eight fish. Destiny Dodge of Wilmington took second and Jace Shaw of Coal City took third place.

The honors for smallest fish, five inches, went to Micah Ludvick of Bourbonnais.

"Fishing for a Cure provides much needed help to the local community and allows kids to have a good time fishing," said ESPN's Chauncey Niziol, who again served as tournament host. "The kid's tournament is another reflection of Exelon's strong commitment to the community. I am proud to be associated with the tournament."

All proceeds raised through tournament entry fees, raffles and sponsorships go to the recipient charity, which is selected annually by station employees. Organizations and businesses contributing to the cause include:

D Construction

Berkot's

Belgio's Catering

CB&I

Demark, Inc.

Monical's Pizza

T&C Anglers and Antlers

Since its inaugural tournament in 2002, Fishing for a Cure has raised more than $365,000 for local and regional charities. Last year's event raised $57,000 for the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Illinois.

Braidwood Generating Station is approximately 60 miles southwest of Chicago. The station's two nuclear energy units can produce a total of more than 2,300 megawatts of carbon free electricity - enough to power more than 2 million typical homes.